HUD requires the Mechanicville Housing Authority (MHA) to place all families that apply for assistance on a waiting list. Placement on the waiting list does not indicate that the family is, in fact, eligible for assistance. A final determination of eligibility will be made when the family is selected from the waiting list.
Applicants will be placed on the waiting list according to any preference(s) for which they qualify, and the date and time their complete application is received by the MHA.
While the family is on the waiting list, the family must immediately inform the MHA of changes in contact information, including current residence, mailing address, and phone number. The changes must be submitted in writing.
Applicant families will be evaluated to determine whether, based on their recent behavior, such behavior could reasonably be expected to result in noncompliance with the dwelling Lease. The MHA will look at past conduct as an indicator of future conduct. Emphasis will be placed on whether a family’s admission could reasonably be expected to have a detrimental effect on the development environment, other tenants, MHA employees, or other people residing in the immediate vicinity of the property. Otherwise, eligible families will be denied admission if they fail to meet the suitability criteria.
Objective and reasonable aspects of the family’s background checks include but are not limited to:
- “Criminal Background History check” on all adult household members 18 years of age or older, including live-in aides. This check will be made through State or local law enforcement agencies.
- History of meeting financial obligations, especially rent;
- History of disturbing neighbors or destruction of property;
- History of criminal activity by any household member involving crimes of physical violence against persons or property and any other criminal activity including drug-related criminal activity that would adversely affect the health, safety or well-being of other tenants or staff or cause damage to property;
- Ability to maintain (or with assistance would have the ability to maintain) their housing in a decent and safe condition based on living or housekeeping habits and whether such habits could adversely affect the health, safety or well-being of other tenants;
The premises leased are for the exclusive use and occupancy of the Resident and the Resident’s household members named on the Lease. Any additions to the household members listed require advance written approval of the management. This includes Live-in Aides and foster children or adults, but excludes natural births. Accommodations to lodgers or borders or subletting or assigning the apartment, or any part of the apartment is not allowed.